Islam on Marital Rights — Page 8
8. ISLAM ON MARITAL RIGHTS. EQUALITY OF RIGHTS AND DUTIES. The second point worth noting in this connection is that, as a general rule, both the husband and the wife have equal rights in the Islamic society. The Holy Quran says: " “…. . And they (the women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in equity; but men have a rank above them. . And Allah is Mighty, Wise. " (2:229). This verse lays down the basic rule that men and women as human beings have equal rights. If women are enjoined to discharge the rights of men, so are the men required not to deny the women their rights. The Holy Prophet (s. a. w. ) has given detailed instructions concerning the rights of women and the care and consideration with which they should be treated. And it is a fact that no teaching of any other religion has laid so much stress on treating wives with kindness as has been exhorted by the Holy. Prophet (s. a. w. ). The Lord God says: “O ye people! Fear your Lord, Who created you from a single soul and created therefrom its mate. . . “(4:2). This verse purports to say that both men and women belong to the same species and so have identical natures and similar feelings and aspirations. As man wishes that his likes and dislikes should be respected by his wife, so does she wish that her desires and aversions be given due consideration by her husband. . As has been already mentioned, the Holy Quran says, "They (the women) are garments for you and you are a garment for them. " The Arabic word Libaas (garment) means a thing which covers another thing. And according to the Holy Quran, a garment serves a three-fold purpose. . God says: "O children of Adam! We have indeed sent down to you raiment to cover your shame, and to be an elegant dress. . . " (7:27). And then He says: ". . . He has for you garments which protect you from heat